Our guide of where to go, what to see and what to do this weekend.
Bespin. Photo: Facebook
Bespin: This evening sees Auckland psych-rock outfit Bespin play the first of four shows as part of their EP release tour. The band, who are fresh off a win for this year’s Critics’ Choice Prize, play the Kings Arms with Sea Views, NIISA and Caroles (who will apparently be playing their last gig until 2017). Tickets are $10 on the door.
Whammy Fest: Bands, DJs, markets and karaoke are taking over Whammy Bar as part of the first ever Whammy Fest. The four-day festival kicked off last night and things continue over the next few days with performances from Tourettes, The Raw Nerves, PCP Eagles and a whole bunch more. Scoop your pass from Flying Out, Real Groovy or Under The Radar.
Esther Stephens: ‘French Kiss’ is the latest single from Esther Stephens and The Means, and to celebrate the group having a release party this Saturday at Auckland’s Matterhorn. They’ll be supported by Siobhan Leilani (Sal Valentine & The Babyshakes) on the night and tickets are $15 and available through Eventfinder.
The Watercooler: The next Watercooler storytelling night takes place at Wellington’s BATS Theatre this evening and will see four people explore theme theme of ‘Jet Planes’. What does that mean, exactly? According to the organisers, “you won’t be hearing from anyone bragging about how they drank wine in Venice, or booked flights to Europe and had a wonderful time”. Tickets are available from BATS, and this month sees all proceeds go straight to Women’s Refuge.
Paquin: Auckland four-piece act Paquin have just dropped the video for their latest single ‘Get Here’. The track is from their forthcoming EP III, and the band also plan on celebrating the release with a party this Saturday at Golden Dawn. They’ll be joined by Bespin and tickets are $5 on the door.
Inky Waves: Auckland collective Inky Waves head to the capital this Friday for the fifth edition of their much-loved club night. This time around, there’ll be sets from Mongo Skato, Flo Wilson, Leo G Clark and Martyn Pepperell, along with DJ sets from the IW team themselves. Things kick off at 7pm at Moon and entry is $10 on the door.
Naughty By Nature: Renowned 90s New Jersey hip-hop act Naughty By Nature are in the country this weekend to play a one-off show as part of their 25th anniversary tour. Known for their singles ‘Feel Me Flow’, ‘OPP’ and ‘Hip Hop Hooray’, the trio will hit up The Studio in Auckland this Sunday. Tickets are available from Dash.
Did we miss something? Leave your suggestions in the comments or email us with your events here.